Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast has revealed a new pickup truck prototype and announced plans for a global launch of its mini-sized VF 3 model.
VinFast, which recently joined the US market, stated on Tuesday its goal to enter the US’s famous pickup market. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Vietnam-based EV maker launched its mid-sized electric pickup, VF Wild.
While the truck is officially a concept vehicle, the company’s executives signaled their aim to see the production of a similar vehicle.
VinFast’s deputy chief executive for sales and marketing, Tran Mai Hoa, sees the electric pickup as more than a new product, stating that it reflects their aim to participate in the rapid and booming electric pickup market.
The VF Wild is a slightly shorter, bumper-to-bumper vehicle compared to the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger mid-sized pickup truck. Like other average utility vehicles, it consists of four doors, two rows of seats, and a cargo bed that is around five feet long.
However, the rear passenger compartment wall can be opened with the back seats folded down to provide space for items up to eight feet long in the cab-cargo bed. Such a feature is similar to General Motors’ Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup.
The VF Wild’s small size would not be a direct rival to full-sized electric pickup trucks such as the Silverado EV, Ford’s F-150 Lightning, and Tesla’s Cybertruck. Additionally, it is smaller compared to Rivian’s R1T.
VinFast, which started deliveries in California last March, has sold about 21,200 cars as of the third quarter of 2023, with its affiliates receiving over half of the units.
VinFast’s VF 3 to Roll Out in the US
VinFast also introduced its subcompact electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the VF 3, which is currently sold in Vietnam but set to be available in the US market soon.
The squarish two-door VF 3 is notably smaller than the mini-eSUVs offered in the US. It is also shorter than a Kia Rio subcompact or Nissan Versa. Still, the company assures its four-seater mini-vehicle has enough interior space.
The VF 3 has a limited driving range of approximately 125 miles due to its compact size, which keeps the battery cell capacity in check, according to VinFast. The mileage is less than the many existing EVs can currently reach.
The company has yet to reveal the price of the VF 3.
Meanwhile, following a public listing via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) last year, VinFast’s stock closed 0.98% lower at $17.16 on Monday.
